Student rejects criticism

Press, 31 August 1989, Page 1

Student rejects criticism

The Christchurch Boys’ High School student representative criticised by the school’s principal on Tuesday for his poor performance on the board of trustees says he believes his work has been adequate. Stuart Cunningham said he was nominated by a prefect. He believed he was suitable for the position. He was responding to comment made by the principal, Mr Zane Kidd, to the parliamentary select committee considering the Education Bill in Wellington. Mr Kidd told the committee that his school wanted the student position made optional because student representatives

could inhibit frank and free discussion.

Mr Kidd told “The Press” that his school’s experience with a student on the board had not been satisfactory. The student had been suspended, did not know about meeting procedure, and his knowledge of education matters was limited. Mr Kidd said he believed the position should be optional regardless of his school’s experience.

Mr Cunningham said he believed strongly in having a student representative on the board.

He said he found out about the election procedure by asking the

school’s secretary for the information. He had seen no notices posted about the school.

The student’s mother, Mrs Julie Cunningham, a member of the Girls’ High School board, said her son’s suspension soon after the board election was not related to his performance on the board.

“This year, up until his suspension, he was captain of the ‘A’ water polo team. His punishment was that he was not allowed to represent the school in any sport or drama for the rest of the year," she said. The punishment was decided by the board of trustees.